Food Fight: Italiano’s v. Folliero’s v. Town

This corner pizzeria is best described as a dive-y pizza stand. It’s not a place you would take a date unless you plan on seeing them one night only. It’s VERY casual. You can buy pizza by the slice at less than $2 per slice. There’s not much space in the dining room so it’s best to get a pizza on the go. They also deliver.

This pizza is fast and cheap and will do in a pinch, but this is not one of those great little hole-in-the-wall finds. The pizza is super greasy, so have some napkins on hand. The crust is thick and can get soggy depending on the toppings you order. The toppings are dispersed quite evenly, but the ratio of cheese to toppings is way off. There’s just too much cheese on this pizza – yes, it is possible to have too much cheese. The flavor is below average, but probably more than acceptable if you’re drunk or about to get drunk.

Since 1968, Folliero’s has been serving up authentic Italian food and pizza to Highland Park and the surrounding neighborhoods. It’s a casual, cash only, dine-in and takeout eatery, but takeout is recommended during their dinner rush. If you’re looking for a neighborhood restaurant where you can bring the kids, this is the place, but be prepared for slow service. (Again, takeout is recommended.) You should order some beer or wine while you wait.

The pizza here served in four sizes (not by the slice): 10, 14, 16, or 18-inch. They have a variety of toppings to choose from with much better quality ingredients than Italiano’s. All of their pizzas taste and feel more authentic than Italiano’s. Although the flavor is good overall, the distribution of toppings is uneven and the structure of the pizza is flimsy. And perhaps they should think about investing in some sharper pizza cutters because they never seem to cut the pizza all the way through.

In 2014, Town Pizza took over the old Italiano’s location. It was a change that was welcomed by the neighborhood – a real neighborhood pizza joint. This casual pizzeria has a cool and very inviting ambience. You can buy pizza by the slice on your way out to the bars on York, or dine in and have some beer or wine with your pizza.

The slices are huge – a great size for folding. The garlic-y crust is thinner than Folliero’s and Italiano’s, and it has that crispiness that is lacking from the other two. The toppings are evenly distributed with the perfect ratio of cheese, sauce, and toppings. All of the ingredients are local, organic, and seasonal, and you can really taste the difference. Everything tastes fresh, especially the sauce. And they offer both gluten free and vegan options – if that’s your thing.

In this battle there really was no contest. The quality of pizza is far superior at Town than both Italiano’s and Folliero’s. It’s definitely the best pizza in Highland Park, and it could put up a good fight against any other pizza joints in LA.

Winner: Town Pizza

Steffi Victorioso

Creative Writer
at Happening In Highland Park

She’s a world traveler, culinary adventurer, and MMA enthusiast. Never one to back down, she doesn’t let a lactose intolerance get in the way of her love for pizza, milkshakes, or ice cream.